Last Monday, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Minneapolis man, was killed by a police officer named Derek Shovin. Shovin kneed Floyd in the neck for nearly nine minutes, including three minutes when Floyd was unresponsive. Shovin was charged with third-degree murder (opens in new tab).

This happened in the midst of a global pandemic, with protests in cities around the world filled with residents seeking to speak out against unjust deaths in the black community. People have taken to the streets in masks and with signs in hand to protest police violence. While many of these protests are peaceful, the danger is growing as the presence of law enforcement and the National Guard increases.

But while these protests are taking place, another danger still exists: that of COVID-19. Here are some ways to stay safe and healthy as you speak out for what you believe in over the next few days.

While we stand in solidarity with other protesters, there are many pandemic risks to be aware of. Dr. John Swartzberg, who studies infectious diseases at the University of California, Berkeley, told BuzzFeed News (opens in new tab) that it is important to wear goggles, glasses, and other eye protection.

"I don't know how important face shields and goggles are, but I do think it's important enough to have health care workers wear face shields," he said. He added that when people shout at protests, a large amount of coronavirus droplets are released into the air. [Shouting] causes more particles to be expelled with greater force," he said. Tear gas attacks the respiratory system in the same way that coronavirus does. Coughing, shortness of breath, and choking sensations are all normal.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from viruses and harmful weapons (open in new tab) that you might encounter at a protest.

It is important to wear PPE at these protests, just as you would at any non-protest event where you might see a crowd. And while protests are much more crowded than the average grocery store these days, think about what you would wear to safely purchase produce during COVID hours and dress accordingly. Click here for a Google document (opens in a new tab) on sanitizing the demonstration. Click here for tips from the CDC on safely wearing cloth masks (opens in new tab).

While it may not be super easy to stay six feet away from someone at a protest, it is important to do your best to keep as much distance as possible.

"Depending on how socially distant these people are, in the age of COVID-19, I think we have to worry about the virus spreading by large gatherings," Dr. Amesh A. Adarja told Rolling Stone (opens in new tab). 'We know that the virus will be with us until a vaccine is available. And any type of social interaction where people are within six feet of each other is an opportunity for the virus to infect others and spread among people.

A DIY guide from Popular Science (open in new tab) suggests a few things to do if you are exposed to tear gas.

"People assume they are safe, but it's important to know that these weapons actually cause injuries," Dr. Rohini Haar, a paramedic and research fellow at the Center for Human Rights at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, told the magazine.

The active ingredient in tear gas is 2-chlorobenzalmalonitrile, which attaches to any moisture on the face. That is, tears, saliva, hair grease, and mucus covering the mouth and airways. In other words, makeup is a no-no. Tear gas is intended to cause pain.

In other words, it is important to cover as much skin as possible, says Popular Science magazine. Yes, it's starting to get warmer outside, but the more protection you have on your body, the better: "The less skin you expose and the denser the fabric, the better. Avoid shorts and opt for long-sleeved shirts, so there are fewer surfaces for the gas to stick to," says the guide. However, CS powder (the particulate matter that makes up tear gas) will stick to clothing, so change as soon as possible after being sprayed.

Covering your eyes with goggles is another important tip that can help when rubber bullets fly through the air. Even ski goggles that fit snugly over the eyes can prevent tear gas from entering. Sunglasses have little effect.

This is where normal protest, non-corona precautionary measures come into effect. We need to be prepared for all eventualities. This means bringing identification, a notepad with "emergency contact information," and using apps like Signal or WhatsApp to get in touch. If possible, do not bring a cell phone or bring a burner phone. Here are some other technology-related suggestions (open in new tab) for what to do if you do bring a cell phone.

If you are at all concerned about the risk of contracting COVID-19 or passing the disease on to someone else, there are many ways (open in new tab) to help from your couch right now. Be responsible and join this fight whenever you can.